Solar PV Analysis of McFarland, United States
McFarland, Wisconsin, located in the Northern Temperate Zone, presents a mixed picture for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar energy production, which is typical for its latitude.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season, with an impressive average of 6.39 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows as the second-best season, yielding 5.19 kWh/day. These warmer months offer longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, making them ideal for solar energy generation.
Autumn sees a notable decrease in production, averaging 3.29 kWh/day. Winter presents the greatest challenge, with output dropping to 2.25 kWh/day per kW installed. This significant reduction is due to shorter days, lower sun angles, and increased cloud cover typical of Wisconsin winters.
Optimal Panel Positioning
To maximize year-round solar production in McFarland, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 37-degree angle facing south. This angle is calculated to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, considering the location's latitude and seasonal sun positions.
Environmental Factors and Mitigation
Several environmental factors can impact solar production in McFarland:
- Snow accumulation in winter can significantly reduce panel efficiency. Regular panel cleaning or installing panels at a steeper angle can help mitigate this issue.
- Cloud cover, especially prevalent in autumn and winter, can decrease solar output. Using high-efficiency panels can help maximize production even in low-light conditions.
To address these challenges, consider implementing a snow removal strategy and choosing panels with strong low-light performance. Additionally, a dual-axis tracking system could be beneficial, allowing panels to follow the sun's path and maximize energy capture, especially during the productive summer months.
Despite the challenges, McFarland's location still offers substantial potential for solar energy, particularly from late spring through early fall. With proper system design and maintenance, solar PV can be a viable renewable energy option in this Wisconsin community.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 4253 locations across the United States. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in the United States by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in McFarland
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 43.0069, Longitude: -89.3022 (McFarland, United States), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 37° South in McFarland, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in McFarland, United States (Lat/Long 43.0069, -89.3022) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 37° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for McFarland, United States
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in McFarland, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 37° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27° South in Summer | 47° South in Autumn | 56° South in Winter | 36° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in McFarland, United States
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in McFarland, United States.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around McFarland, United States
The topography around McFarland, Wisconsin (located at 43.0069°N, 89.3022°W) is characterized by gently rolling terrain typical of the Midwest United States. This area is part of the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands region of Wisconsin, which features a mix of low hills, shallow valleys, and relatively flat plains.
McFarland itself sits on the eastern shore of Lake Waubesa, one of the four lakes that make up the Yahara River chain in Dane County. The landscape surrounding the town is a blend of agricultural land, suburban development, and natural areas. To the east and south of McFarland, the terrain becomes slightly more undulating, with modest hills and small valleys created by glacial activity thousands of years ago.
The area's elevation generally ranges from about 850 to 950 feet above sea level, with only minor variations. This relatively flat topography is interrupted by occasional drumlins - elongated hills formed by glacial ice movement - which add some diversity to the landscape.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited to large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, the agricultural lands to the east and southeast of McFarland present promising opportunities. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:
- Large, open spaces with minimal shading from trees or structures
- Relatively flat terrain, reducing the need for extensive grading
- Existing road access for construction and maintenance
- Proximity to existing electrical infrastructure for grid connection
The gently sloping fields in this region could be ideal for solar panel placement, as they naturally face south or southwest, maximizing exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, these areas are generally not prone to flooding, which is an important consideration for long-term solar installations.
It's worth noting that while these areas may be topographically suitable, any large-scale solar development would need to consider other factors such as local zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and the interests of the agricultural community. The balance between renewable energy production and preserving farmland is an important consideration in this region.
United States solar PV Stats as a country
United States ranks 2nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 95,209 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of United States's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 26th in the world). Each year United States is generating 289 Watts from solar PV per capita (United States ranks 15th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in United States?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the United States. These include federal tax credits, state and local rebates, net metering policies, and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Additionally, many states have enacted legislation that requires utilities to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources such as solar.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in United States? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Saturday 20th of July 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
